Obituary – Death – Cause of death News :

Horse Dies at Santa Anita Track Due to Injury in Stall

Tragedy struck at Santa Anita Park as Spirit Maker, a horse housed at the facility, passed away after sustaining an injury in his stall. The news was confirmed by Amy Zimmerman, Santa Anita’s senior vice president and executive producer, in a statement to City News Service.

Following the incident, the horse will undergo a necropsy conducted by the University of California (Davis) School of Veterinary Medicine. This thorough examination will provide insights into the cause of Spirit Maker’s untimely death. Santa Anita Park, known for its large-scale racing and training operations, currently accommodates close to 2,000 horses at any given time.

Unfortunately, Spirit Maker’s demise adds to a concerning trend at Santa Anita, with a total of 11 horses succumbing to racing or training injuries in 2024. Additionally, six other equine deaths have been attributed to “other” causes, further highlighting the challenges faced by these majestic animals in the competitive world of horse racing.

As the racing industry continues to grapple with the welfare of its equine athletes, incidents like Spirit Maker’s passing serve as a stark reminder of the risks involved in the sport. The community at Santa Anita mourns the loss of yet another beloved horse, emphasizing the need for ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of all horses in the racing industry.

Our hearts go out to Spirit Maker and all the horses who have tragically lost their lives in pursuit of victory on the track. May their memories serve as a catalyst for positive change in the world of horse racing.

What happened to Spirit Maker at Santa Anita?

Spirit Maker, a horse at Santa Anita, suffered an injury in his stall and unfortunately passed away as a result. The incident occurred early Tuesday morning, and track officials were quick to attend to him, but despite their efforts, the horse did not survive. This tragic event has left the racing community saddened and concerned about the well-being of the animals.

What is the protocol for handling such incidents at Santa Anita?

According to Amy Zimmerman, Santa Anita’s senior vice president and executive producer, the protocol in cases like this is for the horse to undergo a necropsy. This procedure will be overseen by the University of California (Davis) School of Veterinary Medicine, and the findings will be reported to the California Horse Racing Board. This ensures that thorough investigations are conducted to understand the cause of the injury and prevent similar incidents in the future.

How does Santa Anita Park ensure the safety of its horses?

Santa Anita Park is one of the largest racing and training facilities in the country, housing nearly 2,000 horses at any given time. The park has stringent safety measures in place to protect the well-being of the animals, including regular veterinary check-ups, proper training programs, and strict regulations for racing activities. Despite these measures, the recent spate of horse deaths at the park has raised concerns about the effectiveness of these safety protocols.

What is the current situation regarding horse deaths at Santa Anita?

In 2024, Santa Anita has reported 11 horse deaths due to racing or training injuries, along with six deaths from “other” causes, including Spirit Maker’s. These numbers have sparked debates and discussions within the horse racing community about the need for stricter safety regulations and better oversight to prevent such tragedies from occurring. The recent incidents have also raised questions about the overall well-being of horses in the racing industry.

Sources:
MyNewsLA